Aggies can't stop teams on 3rd down

LOGAN — In two of their last three games, the Utah State Aggies have had major problems stopping their opponent on third down, and in their 45-21 loss to Boise State Saturday, the problem still lingers.

The Broncos converted 9 of 18 and four of their touchdowns came on third-down plays.

"When you get them down on third down you've got to get them off the field," Utah State linebacker Matt Wiser said. "That's how a good team — like they are — will beat you if you can't execute."

In Western Athletic Conference losses to Fresno State and Idaho, the two teams were a combined 20 of 30 on third-down conversions, and adding in Boise State, the Aggies have given up 28 of 48 third-down conversions in three league losses.

It was particularly bad at Fresno State because the Bulldogs scored on nine straight possessions in the 53-21 victory last week.

Against Idaho, the Aggies allowed three third-down conversions in the fourth-quarter drive with the Vandals leading by just one point. Idaho eventually scored of that possession and it proved to be the game-winning touchdown.

Saturday, the Broncos scored four touchdowns on third down and three of them were scored when they faced plays of 3rd-and-7 or more in order to make a first down.

The Aggies don't have to look any further than their two home victories to know that stopping the opponent on third down is important. Against UNLV and San Jose State, the Aggies held the two teams to a combined 9 of 32.

In the three losses, the Aggie offense struggled in converting just 17 of 41 opportunities, including 7-of-17 against the Broncos on third down.

FEELING COMFORTABLE: In three road games this season, Utah State quarterback Leon Jackson III has completed 38 of 70 passes for 380 yards with a touchdown and five interceptions.

At home, the sophomore signal-caller has been much better. In the loss to Boise State, he was 9-of-9 in the first half for 112 yards and two touchdowns. He finished the game 16-of-29 for 206 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.

For the season, Jackson is 52-of-80 for 618 yards and seven touchdowns with no interceptions in the friendly confines of Romney Stadium.

RUNNING BACKS AWOL: For the sixth game this season, a player other than a running back led the team in rushing, and for the third time it was Jackson with 49 yards on 22 carries.